And then there were five … at least FFA has a quorum

FFA are unlikely to fill the board position left vacant following vice chair Heather Reid’s decision to step down indefinitely.

Heather Reid has stepped down from the FFA board due to health reasons.

Football Federation Australia is unlikely to fill the board position left vacant following vice-chair Heather Reid’s decision to step down indefinitely because of health reasons.

As foreshadowed in The ­Australian yesterday, FFA ­announced that she has been granted a request for temporary leave “to enable Ms Reid to give full focus to her health and wellbeing following the requirement to undergo chemotherapy treatment for a medical condition”.

Reid’s request was granted during a specially convened board meeting on Tuesday night called to discuss her situation.

It means the FFA has been ­reduced to just five directors — chairman Chris Nikou, Remo ­Nogarotto, Joseph Carrozzi, ­Crispin Murray and Kelly Bayer Rosmarin. Under the constitution, the board can compromise as many as nine directors, but it is not bound by that figure. A quorum of four is required, so there are no issues in regard to the board going about its business as usual. However, it is understood it will continue to evaluate Reid’s position.

It is also still looking to fill three co-opted positions and is likely to make a decision in the near future. The Australian understands former board member Danny Moulis could be one of those co-opted.

There is also the question ­regarding the number of women on the board. Given Reid’s situation, it leaves Bayer Rosmarin as the only woman director.

The constitution calls for a 40-40-20 ratio — 40 per cent of the board should be male, 40 per cent female and 20 per cent either. Depending on how many more directors the current board brings in, it could be looking at two of the co-opted being women. The highly respected Ros Moriarty, who chairs FFA’s recently formed Women’s Council, looms as a serious candidate.

Reid’s decision comes in the wake of a damaging 11 days for the sport highlighted by the sacking of Matildas coach Alen Stajcic.

Her name has been at the centre of the controversy since FFA announced almost two weeks ago that Stajcic had been relieved of his duties. While the head body ­refused to point to any specific ­incidents concerning him, it cited a toxic environment in the Matildas camp for terminating his contract.

A veteran administrator who has long been a champion of women’s football, Reid, who was unanimously voted in as a director at the FFA elections in November, became entangled in the drama.

It was alleged by Football Today via its Twitter handle (FTdotnews) on January 22 that Reid had been “actively messaging members of the football community since the decision (to dump Stajcic) was announced” and that “we are aware of at least six people whom Reid has contacted in this regard; we have seen the messages; we have the messages.”

In an interview on January 22, Reid angrily denied suggestions she had been involved in orchestrating Stajcic’s removal.

“It’s absolutely not correct. It’s so far from the truth. I have no grudge against Alen Stajcic. To suggest that I have orchestrated his demise and that I’ve influenced the (FFA) board members is an insult. Not to me, but the whole board,” she said. Quizzed further on Stajcic, Reid said: “It’s a pity that there aren’t more parents and players prepared to speak up about some of his behaviour. If people knew the actual facts, they would be shocked.

“I can refer you to some people who were involved with the Green and Gold Army (supporters group) who were in Jordan for the Asian Cup and talked to parents and heard their concerns about the welfare of their daughters. And talk to players about their situation in the team.”

On behalf of FFA, Nikou said: “Our thoughts are with Heather and her family and we wish her a full and speedy recovery.”